As any quilter will tell you, quilting is more than just a type of textile art, it's a community and a lifestyle as well. People who love to quilt are very passionate about it and are, more often than not, experts at their craft. Acquiring any new skill takes time and practice. Finding the right equipment is also crucial and plays a big part in how a quilt will turn out, even before you've made a single stitch. With so many products and brands out there, it can be hard to know what's important and what isn't. Luckily, we've broken it down to the bare essentials that every new quilter needs in their sewing kit!
1. A Rotary Cutter
This may seem like an obvious one, but it is an essential item for every quilter. Rotary cutters are used for precisely cutting fabric into flawless blocks, in a way that is simply not achievable with a pair of fabric scissors.
Our Top Picks
- Titanium Rotary Cutter, 45 mm with no-touch Safety Shield
- Clover Rotary Cutter 60mm
- Fiskars Rotary Cutter 45mm
2. Marking Kit
The key to a quilt turning out beautifully is making sure that all of your measurements are accurate. Working from memory is a recipe for disaster (for most people anyways) and having a supply of marking supplies will help to ensure that every stitch, charm, and embellishment is where it's supposed to be.
Our Top Picks
- Tailor's Marking Set
- Prym Laundry Marking Kit, 24 Iron-On Name Tape/Pen
- Prym Laundry Marking Kit, 6m Tape/Pen/Stencil
- Prym Laundry Marking Kit, 3m Tape/Pen/Stencil
3. Excellent Fabric Scissors
A good pair (or several) of fabric scissors is every quilter's best friend! Look for a sturdy, durable, and razor sharp pair that will result in precise, smooth cuts. There's nothing worse than struggling to cut a piece of fabric - it always ends with sore hands, an uneven cut, and wasted fabric.
Our Top Picks
- 9" ExtremeEdge Titanium Bent Soft Handle Scissors
- Wescott Titanium Non-Stick Bent Scissors - 8"
- Fiskars Razor-edge Softgrip
Photo via Quilting in India
4. Cutting Mats
Cutting mats are used with your rotary cutter! Using a mat not only prevents the surface of your table from damage, it also helps to sharpen the rotary cutter's blade. The grid markings on the mat also make it easy to cut straight, accurate lines!
Our Top Picks
- Olfa Cutting Mat, Double Sided, 18" X 24", with Grid
- Omnigrid Travel Kit, 22.5cm x 30.25cm
- Clover Cutting Mat, 24" x 36"
5. Stitch Rippers
Whether you've sewn a seam where you weren't supposed to, or simply changed your mind about the design, a stitch ripper will likely be one of the tools you use the most. Even the most gifted sewers make boo-boos when creating a piece! Keep a stitch ripper on hand always. You'll find that the day you don't have one is the day that you make the most mistakes!
Our Top Picks
- Large Ergonomic Seam Ripper
- Heavy Duty Surgical Stainless Steel Seam Ripper/Stitch Ripper With Comfortable Handle (includes 2 replaceable blades)
- Seam Ripper With Point Protector, Ergonomic Design, Small
6. Quilting Rulers and Guides
This is pretty self explanatory! Use quilting rulers and guides to create specific shapes and to ensure that every block is the correct size for your quilt.
Our Top Picks
- 12-1/2" Square Up Ruler
- Triangle Ruler
- Fast2mark Tools - 6" & 8" Quilter's Rulers (2017 1st Quarter Promotion - up to 30% off)
7. Quilting Pins
Although pins may seem like an unimportant notion, they are crucial! You'll be amazed at how many pins you use to hold the pieces of your quilt in place. Fact: there is no such thing as having too many pins. If you feel that you have too many pins, buy more!
Our Top Picks
8. Hem Tape and Seam Binding
Binding is like the glue that holds your quilt together. Seam binding (or hem tape) is used to cover the raw edges of your quilt while stabilizing stretchy seams. They can also be used to add extra beauty and charm to your finished quilt!
Our Top Picks
9. Stencils
Add a little extra embellishment to your quilt with ease! Stencils allow you to create complex designs and stitched patterns very quickly. No drawing skills required!
Our Top Picks
- Score of Four Stencil (each block is 4", 6 blocks included)
- Sashiko Stitch Wineglasses Stencil (the diameter of the circle is 2 1/4")
- One Inch Grid on Point Stencil, 1" Grid
10. Hand Sewing Needles
Although a lot of quilting may be done by machine, hand needles are necessary for adding certain embellishments, such as beading and lace. Keep hand needles on hand for any sewing that is delicate or that requires extra attention to detail!
Our Top Picks
- Hand Sewing Needles (Sharps, No.3, 16 count)
- Sewing Embroidery and Darning Needles
- Gold Eye Quilting Needles
Are there any quilting essentials we may have left out? We would love to hear from you! Chat with us in the comment section or send us a message at sales@njeffersonltd.com.
